Ageless Irfan eager for more success
being the oldest coach in the Super League, Terengganu trainer Irfan Bakti is still going strong and does not plan to retire.
The 68-year-old, who was named coach of the season in 2011, has an impressive record of winning titles in the Premier League One (2001), FA Cup (2002 and 2011) and the Charity Shield (2003 and 2008) with several teams.
The only title Irfan has not won is the Malaysia Cup. He came close with Terengganu in 2011 and last year, but his team lost on both occasions.
“I know when I’m going to quit, so there’s no need to force me out of my seat,” he said.
“My goal is to guide a team to the Malaysia Cup crown (one day). That is my main mission but we have to accept that there are better teams in the league besides Terengganu.”
Irfan received flak from Terengganu fans on social media recently following his harsh but truthful comments about his players’ poor performance in the 4-0 defeat to Pahang in the FA Cup quarter-final return leg match in Kuantan on Friday.
Some now want the former national assistant coach to resign.
However, Irfan said it will only create more problems if he steps down.
“It is not like the fans are paying my salary. I know when it is time to quit, so don’t push me.
“Even if I do resign, it would not solve the problem because I am the only one who knows the landscape of Terengganu football.
“I am not trying to be arrogant but my presence here has elevated Terengganu football.
“I feel the fans should support the team, not only when we win but also when we lose,” Irfan added.